It's Autism

My life changed completely five years ago. My son, Andrew, 5 at the time, was diagnosed with autism. Autism is a spectrum disorder with no known cause and no known cure. Some individuals with autism cannot even speak while others who exhibit high-functioning autism or Asperger's Syndrome, like my little guy, can exhibit verbal skills beyond their years. No matter where one's child falls on the spectrum,  hearing the word autism can be earth-shattering. So many thoughts run through your mind, often you don't know where to to turn, what to do, what to expect. You end up spending sleepless nights with a giant mug of coffee and googling anything and everything having to do with autism. Eventually though, when the shock wears off life goes on. My blog is dedicated to my personal experiences since my son was diagnosed. Everyone has unique circumstances and situations but I feel we can always learn from others. My journey is really just beginning but I have already traveled enough to help someone, somewhere. 

"As we thought, it's Autism."
I know I stopped hearing after that
The psychologist's lips kept moving
But I really heard nothing
I thought of my son
His blonde hair and baby blues
His full cheeks and missing teeth
I kept myself from crying
And thought of the future
Instead of a broken heart
My heart is swollen with love
For my special son
Who was always special to me

11/18/07 -- Ruth Royer